This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Yoruba Iron Scepter

Description : West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba Tribe, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A striking ceremonial scepter known as edan ogboni comprised of an iron staff and 2 brass terminals: the top in the form a triangular, janiform head and the bottom as a petite cone. Elaborately decorated, the stylized head is enveloped in tightly-packed brass coils with applied embellishments lining the periphery. Each anthropomorphic visage is comprised of generously-lidded eyes, a broad nose, and a petite open mouth as it surmounts the quadrilateral shaft, which is adorned by 5 brass rings. Size: 3.7 W x 21.3 H (9.4 cm x 54.1 cm), 23.2 H (58.9 cm) on included custom stand. According to the Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, The prestigious Ogboni society includes both male and female elders. Ogboni elders would wear edan Ogboni draped over their necks. Although the functions of the Ogboni society have narrowed considerably in recent decades, members traditionally select, install and bury kings, judge criminal cases, and issue punishments, including the removal of delinquent kings. Edan Ogboni function as public signs of the society’s power. For example, a messenger of the Ogboni greets the recipient of the communication by tapping the edan on his forehead then chest. The recipient acknowledges the authority and message of the Ogboni by doing the same. Other functions of the edan object include its protective use: the edan may not be crossed if it is placed at a building threshold. Conversely, because Ogboni members had the power to punish, the edan thrust into the ground signified a death sentence. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, ex-Sydney and Gae Berman collection, New York, USA, ex-Amyas Naegele collection, New York, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #172605
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